God’s Splendor

Dear Friends,

Safari in Kiswahili means journey. And this past weekend we decided to venture out for a self-drive safari, which means we wondered around on our own, in Nairobi National Park. This park is located 4 miles from the center of Nairobi, and about the same distance from where we are living. This “closeness” means from inside the park we could often see the outline of the city on the horizon. However, that did not take away from the fact we felt we were a world apart as we witnessed the magical and mysterious wilderness full of exotic animals. It was in this place that we worshiped the God of the universe, our creator, with the wilds of Africa.

Here is the story.

Once inside the park gate our journey began as our minds took in the nature and our hearts began to praise and worship God. It was a beautiful morning.

“Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary”
Psalms 96:6

As we drove along we saw monkeys in the tops of trees. They had a great vantage point to watch the comings and goings of the wilderness.

“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.”
Luke 19:1-4

What a privilege it was to watch this massive, gentle water buffalo going about his business peacefully in the wild.

“And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”
Genesis 1:24-25

We saw ostriches that stood eight feet tall on skinny legs. A much larger bird than what we remembered on the farms at home. Oddly beautiful.

“The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, though they cannot compare
with the wings and feathers of the stork. She lays her eggs on the ground
and lets them warm in the sand,
Job 39:13-14

We were astounded by the size, beauty and majesty of the giraffe. Looking at this animal on top of the hill on the horizon we wondered if we were looking at a stately tree.

“On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate”
Psalms 145:5

Then it was time for lunch, we pulled off to the side of the road and ate peanut butter sandwiches while a herd of Zebra walked and paraded around us. Breathe taking.

“And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the appearance which I saw in the plain.”
Ezekiel 8:4

We drove down to the Athi Dam which is a magnet for all forms of wild life. While we were there several hippos presented themselves.

“He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth– the LORD God Almighty is his name.”
Amos 4:13

On our way out of the park we drove through the grasslands and we caught a glimpse of this lioness as she charged by us. Sleek, fast, silent, and powerful. What a presence! We understand why the lion is mentioned 33 times in the bible.

“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.”
2 Timothy 4:17

What a day catching holy glimpses of God’s splendor.

“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.”
Psalm 65:8

As we drove away it was evident to us who was, who is and who will forever be in control.

May each of you witness an awe-inspiring glimpse of God’s splendor on this magnificent day.

Until next letter,
Laurie